As the summer temperatures peak, it is vital that schools increase safety precautions for students engaged in outdoor sports or band practices. Many cases of heat illness are preventable and can be successfully treated if promptly identified and cared for.
Symptoms of Severe Heat Illness
Heat cramps – caused by fluid and electrolyte loss – are usually the first sign that a heat emergency may be occurring. Other symptoms include: dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If a student stops sweating, faints, has flushed skin, or has a core body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or more, call 911 immediately since these are symptoms of a heat stroke. Make sure not to give the student anything to drink. Instead, move to another area to try and cool the student down.
Heat Illness Reduction Program
To reduce heat-related illnesses, consider implementing these practices:
- Conduct pre-participation screening
- Train on symptoms, acclimatization, and hydration
- Ensure access to emergency equipment
- Have an emergency action plan
Activity Guidelines
Fluid breaks should be scheduled for all practices and become more frequent as the heat and humidity rise. Refer to the chart below for break and cancellation guidelines.
The prevention, recognition, and treatment of exertional heat illness are core components of sports medicine services at all levels of sport. The risk of a heat related illness is constant during exercise in the heat but can also occur in “normal” environmental conditions. It is vital that schools increase safety for students engaged in physical activity through sports or band practices as the summer heat reaches its peak. Especially since many cases of heat illness are preventable and can be successfully treated if onsite personnel identify the condition and implement appropriate care in a timely manner.
Symptoms of Severe Heat Illness
Usually heat cramps are the first sign that a heat emergency may be occurring. These are caused by Fluid and electrolyte loss. From then, symptoms of heat illness may include: dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If a student stops sweating, faints, has flushed skin, or has a core body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or more, call 911 immediately since these are symptoms of a heat stroke. Make sure not to give the student anything to drink. Instead, move to another area to try and cool the student down.
Activity Guidelines
Fluid breaks should be scheduled for all practices and become more frequent as the heat and humidity levels rise. Refer to the chart below to see when students should receive fluid breaks or when practice should be cancelled.
Heat Acclimation
According to the National Athlete Trainers’ Association, schools should follow the chart above to help student athletes acclimate from off seasons. The day acclimation period by NFHS states that during the first 5 days of practice, players should only be on the field for one practice a day. That practice is limited to a maximum of 3 hours. Only helmets can be worn in the first two days of practice. Shoulder pads can be added on the third and fourth day. Then on day 5, full pads can be added. After day 5, there should be at least one day between days with multiple practices. These practices shouldn’t exceed 5 hours. For more information please visit: https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/inter-association-task-force-exertional-heat-illness.pdf
